Lecture Meets: 2:30 - 3:45 M BH 138
Students must take 1 discussion section in addition to lecture.
3384 Discussion (Arabic speakers only): 2:30-3:45 W SB 131
3385 Discussion (non-Arabic speakers): 2:30-3:45 R WH 204
The Koran and the Bible are the two most venerated books in history, but the Koran is far less known and
understood by English readers. The purpose of this course is to introduce the Koran, its major themes, and
its history. Topics to be covered include: how the Koran came into being; the structure, style and
organization of the Koran; God and humanity in the Koran; the Koranic sciences, especially interpretation;
the Koran in Islamic culture; the relationship of the Koran to Judaism and Christianity; women in the Koran.
Prerequisites: Previous courses on Islam are useful but not required, though students with no previous
background in Islam will be required to read a suitable general work on Islam in the first two weeks of
class.
N370 Satisfies CSA requirement.
Required Texts: Ali, A. Yusuf, trans. The Holy Qur'an. (Any edition)
Rahman, Fazlur. Major Themes of the Qur'an
Watt. Montgomery. Bell's Introduction to the Qur'an